Stop Trying to Be Good - Rotten Tomatoes

This week, our Communications Director Brie Fernandez teaches on one of the most misunderstood fruits of the Spirit: goodness. Most of us think goodness means staying on the “good side” of the line, avoiding obvious mistakes, not being the villain in the story. But in Galatians 5, Paul reframes the entire conversation. The Christian life isn’t about trying harder to avoid bad behavior; it’s about walking by the Spirit so that the character of God begins to grow within us. In this message, Brie explores the difference between manufactured goodness and Spirit-formed goodness. Through the imagery of fruit, the life of Jesus, and the powerful picture of Psalm 23, she shows that goodness isn’t something we duct-tape onto our lives through effort or image management. It’s something that grows naturally when we stay close to the Shepherd. From green pastures to valleys, from enemies to overflowing cups, Scripture reveals that God’s goodness doesn’t depend on our circumstances, it flows from His presence. If you’ve built your spiritual life around simply trying not to mess up, this message will challenge you to see something deeper: God isn’t just trying to make you less bad, He’s forming you to look more like Him. Follow us on Instagram @stf_ya for updates, resources, and Tuesday night gatherings.